PhD Student

Job description

As part of the highly prestigious ERC Starting Grant URENIMOD (Ultrasound for Remote Neuroimaging and Modulation), two Ph.D. positions are available at Ghent University from January 2025. The project aims to develop a minimally to non-invasive treatment for focal epilepsy with ultrasound neurorecording, modulation, and deep reinforcement learning closed-loop control. The technology will be developed through detailed computer simulations and preclinical experiments. The PhD candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team working towards this objective at the WAVES (www.waves.intec.ugent.be) and 4Brain (www.4brain.be) research groups.

Job profile

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to perform research on the development of experimentally validated and morphologically detailed computational models of the ultrasound-sensitive hippocampal formation. The models will include a comprehensive set of underlying ultrasound-neuron coupling mechanisms (e.g., mechanosensitive ion channels, radiation force induced membrane bending, intramembrane cavitation).

Two PhD positions are available:
1. Development of a computational framework and transducer/waveform design for ultrasound neuromodulation.
2. Modeling and optimization of acoustoelectric neurorecording (electrode arrays, decoding strategies, etc.).

The applicant should hold an M. Sc. (or equivalent) degree in biomedical, electrical, or physics engineering, or in a related field. The candidate should have excellent programming skills (e.g., Python) and fluency in English (speech and writing). Prior knowledge of neuroscience and/or machine learning is an advantage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/01/2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

If you are interested in this job offer, you can address your application letter, curriculum vitae, and degree certificates to thomas.tarnaud@ugent.be. The candidate will be informed of the result of their application. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Thomas Tarnaud (thomas.tarnaud@ugent.be).